Who are you?
I am a Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist. trained on my Psychiatry Specialty at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, sub-specialized in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry through Fellowship completed at Scott & White Memorial Hospital from Texas A&M University. I am a Board Certified in Psychiatry.
What is Board Certification?
In a "nutshell", it involves having completed some tests provided by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology that give me a recognition from this Board which is a part of the American Board of Medical Specialties.
In one hour, can you really make a diagnosis?
Based on symptoms and signs, I can tell you what you "meet criteria" for, according to the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V). However, it is generally my impression that longer-term assessments done over time and as we get to know each other, are much more reliable.
Why do you charge for Scales?
Certain diagnostic tools are not paid for, by the Insurance Companies but are considered part of the "Standard of Care" to diagnose and/or follow-up on disorders.
Why do you charge for computerized testing?
Computerized Testing may or may not be paid for, by the Insurance Companies. We make our best effort to try to get Insurance reimbursement.
Why do you ask for Laboratory Studies?
Some disorders in psychiatry may just be manifestations of an underlying medical condition; it is good practice to order tests in such cases or when you are being treated with medications that could cause side effects that would be evident in laboratory results (kidney or liver issues, abnormal metabolic function, for example).
What is Confidentiality?
Confidentiality involves that "ensuring that information is accessible only to those authorized to have access". It prevents your info1111ation from being divulged to people that DO NOT need to know it.
How far does Confidentiality go?
The only times in which confidentiality can be broken is when the identified patient becomes a danger to self or others.
I am 18 and my mother called to inquire about my treatment, and no one called her back. Why?
You are entitled to Privacy as a legal adult: unless you give specific consent to disclose information (even to your closest relatives) by a written document. we safeguard your information and cannot confirm or deny the existence of a doctor-patient relationship with anyone.
Why do you charge for phone calls?
It is my sincere belief that I go out of my way to provide a high level of care: most psychiatrists and teachers/therapists do not communicate because it takes away from their "paid" time. Because I find it is in you/your child's best interest, I devote time to doing so. However, office expenses do not stop during those times in which I am taking care of phone calls. Consequently, I see a need to charge.
Why do you charge for no-shows?
I make a commitment to make my utmost effort at being present for your appointments. When you don't show, two situations occur: a) you have taken time away from a patient that may have had an emergency need and b) as noted above, my office expenses do not stop during those times in which neither insurance nor you as a patient, is paying for time I don't work. Besides, it is customary that fees are charged in most medical offices for "no-shows" to offset the above-mentioned expenses.